Nebraska Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Today we pick up our State Writing Resources series again and pay a visit to the Cornhusker State. Nebraska was the 37th state admitted to the Union. Its capitol is Lincoln, its largest city is Omaha, and I can tell you from experience that it takes exactly 58 hours to drive from Omaha to Ogallala (la la la).
When one thinks of Nebraska writing, Willa Cather jumps straight to mind. How many of us were not force-fed O Pioneers! and/or My Antonia in high school, and how many of us were not surprised to love her writing? (And how many of us question the efficacy of my syntax in that line?) But of course Nebraska boasts other literary luminaries: John Neihardt (Black Elk Speaks); Virginia Tufte; Ted Kooser; and some sci-fi author named L. Ron Hubbard.
Presented in no particular order, here are ten Nebraska writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are a ‘Husker, or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
A national literary quarterly published with the support of the English Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Press. Home to the best fiction, poetry, essays and reviews being published today by beginning, mid-career and established writers.
2) Fine Lines
A quarterly journal offering 200-plus pages of fiction, nonfiction and poetry written by students, teachers and community members of all ages.
3) Plains Song
Founded in 1999 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Plains Song is an interdisciplinary literary journal that explores a sense of place in the Great Plains through fiction, poetry, nonfiction essays, photographs and graphic literature of emerging and established writers and artists.
4) Laurus
Publishes fiction, poetry, nonfiction and visual artwork. The annual issue is published in the spring.
A new literary magazine in the capital city of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Founded in 1925, the guild’s purpose is to promote “good fellowship among Nebraska writers; to encourage the recognition of professional writing and writers in the production of fine literature; and to foster the development of the talent of those who desire to write and who show definite possibilities of authorship.”
7) Nebraska Center for the Book
The Nebraska Center for the Book brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators and scholars to build the community of the book.
The festival is free and open to everyone who wishes to meet, hear and talk with a few of Nebraska’s many talented authors who have published new works. All participating authors answer questions from the audience and are available for book signings.
9) Nebraska Writers Collective
The Nebraska Writers Collective promotes creative writing and performance poetry throughout the Midwest. Offers workshops and readings.
A network of professional educators and affiliated writers, it provides opportunities to improve, enhance and celebrate writing for classrooms and communities across Nebraska.
Help us add to this list, Nebraskans! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.